Taking J&K Issues to Foreign Ambassadors is not my habit - CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he does not believe in raising the region’s internal problems with ambassadors of other countries, in remarks that have drawn attention on social media.

Speaking during the visit of a US Ambassador to Jammu & Kashmir, Abdullah said, “It’s not my habit to complain about our issues to the ambassador of another country.” He added that he wanted to hear the ambassador’s views because it had been a long time since a US Ambassador had visited J&K.

“Our problems are not his concern,” Abdullah said, stressing that issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir should primarily be addressed within India.

The remarks have been widely compared on social media with statements made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during some of his foreign visits, where Gandhi has raised concerns relating to Indian democracy, institutions and political affairs before international audiences.

Abdullah’s comments have therefore triggered a political debate over whether domestic political disputes should be discussed on foreign platforms.

The J&K Chief Minister’s remarks also come amid heightened international attention on developments in the region. His statement reinforces his position that domestic issues should not be internationalised through diplomatic channels.